Orthokeratology, commonly referred to as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical method used to correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. This procedure involves the use of specially designed RGP (rigid gas-permeable) contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea, (the front surface of the eye) while you sleep.
Ortho-K is a safe and effective method for temporary vision correction when fitted and monitored by a qualified eye care professional. You can reduce the potential complications by sticking to a strict hygiene regime and keeping up with follow-up appointments. As always, it's important to discuss any concerns with your optometrist or to ensure that Ortho-K is the right choice for you.
The primary risk associated with all forms of contact lenses, including Ortho K, is infection. Despite this concern, the likelihood of developing microbial keratitis in individuals using OK lenses is exceptionally low, estimated at approximately 7 in 10,000 wearers (equivalent to just 0.07%).This risk is significantly lower than those who wear daily disposable lenses. Ortho-K complication rates are the same in both adults and children.
An ideal candidate for Ortho-K includes individuals with mild to moderate myopia (nearsightedness) and low degrees of astigmatism. Children and teenagers are particularly suited as Ortho-K can help slow the progression of myopia. Adults who prefer a non-surgical, reversible vision correction option and are not eligible for refractive surgery due to thin corneas or other contraindications may also benefit. Suitable candidates should have healthy eyes without any significant diseases or conditions like severe dry eye as well as be able to follow a strict lens care routine and attend follow-up scheduled appointments.
Orthokeratology presents a versatile solution capable of addressing a wide range of prescriptions, including myopia (short-sightedness), astigmatism (irregular eye shape), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and even presbyopia (age-related difficulty in focusing). Typically, for myopia correction, Ortho-K is most effective for prescriptions falling within the range of -1.00 to -6.00. However, higher corrections are feasible based on the individual patient.
Ortho-K reduces myopia progression by reshaping the cornea to correct focus and reduce eye strain. The specially designed lenses worn overnight gently flatten the central cornea, temporarily altering its curvature. This reshaping changes how light rays enter the eye, refocusing them directly onto the retina for clearer vision. Research suggests that Ortho-K creates a specific peripheral defocus, where light focuses in front of the retina peripherally. This peripheral defocus is believed to signal the eye to slow down its elongation, which is a primary cause of myopia progression. By slowing the eye's axial growth, Ortho-K helps manage the rate at which myopia worsens, particularly in children and teenagers whose eyes are still developing. Consistent wear and regular monitoring by an eye care professional are crucial to maintaining effective myopia control with Ortho-K lenses.
Ortho-K has been shown to be effective in controlling myopia progression, particularly in children and teenagers. Studies indicate that Ortho-K can slow myopia progression by approximately 40-60% compared to traditional corrective lenses. The treatment works by reshaping the cornea overnight, creating peripheral defocus that helps signal the eye to reduce its elongation—a key factor in myopia development. Effectiveness varies among individuals and depends on consistent lens wear and proper care. Regular follow-ups with an eye care professional are essential to monitor eye health and ensure optimal results.
Ortho K slow myopia progression by improving peripheral vision, which glasses do not. Wearing Ortho K lenses changes the shape of the cornea — the clear part of the front of the eye — in two ways. There is a central flattening effect plus a raised effect in the mid-periphery of the cornea. This change in peripheral corneal shape improves the focusing of light onto the periphery of the retina, at the back of the eye, and in turn reduces the stimulus for the eye to grow longer. This slows the abnormal eye elongation that occurs with progressive childhood myopia.
OK lenses are considered the gold standard in optical treatment for myopia control, while atropine eye drops is a medical treatment that is also very effective in many children. These two methods work on different pathways on the eye. As every child is different, one child may respond well to one method of treatment while another doesn't. The different methods give us more options in managing your child's myopia. Soft contact lenses for myopia control are also available — these do not correct astigmatism as well as OK lenses and their studied effectiveness is generally slightly less — but are still an excellent option for many kids. Children with more aggressive progression may benefit from combined treatment with both contact lenses and atropine eye drops — recent published studies have shown synergistic myopic control effect when Ortho K treatment is combined with atropine therapy.
Ortho-K (orthokeratology) can be challenging for dry eye patients but is not entirely ruled out. The success largely depends on the severity and management of the dry eye condition. Mild to moderate dry eye can often be managed with proper treatment, such as artificial tears, prescription medications or lifestyle changes, allowing some patients to use Ortho-K lenses effectively. A thorough evaluation by the eye care professional at 6d Vision is essential to determine if a dry eye patient is a suitable candidate. They will assess tear film stability and overall eye health to ensure safe and comfortable lens wear. If dry eye is severe or poorly managed, alternative vision correction methods may be more appropriate.
With Ortho-K you can typically notice improvement in your vision within the first few days of overnight lens wear. Many users experience significant vision correction after just one night, with noticeable improvements by the end of the first week. Full correction and stabilisation of vision usually take about one to two weeks, depending on the degree of myopia and individual response to the treatment. During this period, it's essential to wear the lenses every night as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments with your eye care professional to ensure proper fit and monitor progress. Consistent use and adherence to the recommended schedule are key to achieving and maintaining optimal vision correction with Ortho-K.
Ortho-K lenses are generally comfortable to wear, especially since they are worn overnight while you sleep. Initially, some patients may experience a slight sensation or awareness when the lenses are first applied, but this typically diminishes as the eyes adjust. The lenses are made from highly breathable materials, allowing sufficient oxygen to reach the cornea, which enhances comfort and eye health. Proper lens fit, as determined by the optometrists at 6D Vision is crucial for maximum comfort.
Certainly, you retain the ability to see clearly while wearing your lenses. To ensure optimal settling in your eyes, we suggest inserting your OK lenses approximately 10 minutes before bedtime. Whether watching TV or navigating nighttime routines like a trip to the bathroom, your vision remains unimpeded with the lenses in place, offering convenience and visual clarity throughout your activities.
For optimal vision correction and superior outcomes, it is recommended to wear the lenses for a minimum of 6 hours per night, ideally aiming for an 8-hour duration nightly. Adhering to this wearing schedule ensures the effectiveness of the treatment and maximises the potential for achieving the best possible results in vision correction.
The clarity of your vision may slightly diminish towards the conclusion of an extended day, influenced by your pre-treatment prescription however, this is typically minor for the majority of individuals.
Once the Ortho K treatment effect has stabilised, you may not have to wear your lenses every single night, depending on your level of correction and your vision needs. Many of our patients can skip a night of wear occasionally and still maintain satisfactory vision the next day. For example, kids who go on school camp for a few days can see quite clearly without bringing their Ortho K lenses with them to camp. They simply resume OK lens wear when they return home to restore full treatment effect.
Cleaning your OK lenses is easy. We recommend a hydrogen-peroxide lens sterilisation system such as AOSept Plus for daily cleaning, and adding an intensive protein cleaning step with Menicare Progent once a month.
Our recommendation aligns with your ocular health and vision status. Generally a yearly replacement cycle for your lenses to ensure optimal vision outcomes, comfort and safety. Normal wear and tear can lead to microscopic deposits, minor surface scratches and alterations in lens shape, which may decrease the treatment's effectiveness gradually.
Our comprehensive Ortho K Fitting Program starts from $1600, inclusive of all consultations in the first 12 months, a set of custom-designed OK lenses for your first year of treatment, an exclusive lens care package, unlimited after-hours support, and a spare pair of half-strength glasses or a supply of supplementary soft contact lenses. More complex prescriptions and eye shapes attract a higher fee. The cost of Ortho-K treatment is less than one-third of the cost of laser eye corrective surgery. Yearly replacement OK lenses start from $500 per pair. Some rebates are available through private health funds.
You can continue with Ortho-K treatment for as long as you wish. For children using Ortho K for myopia control, they generally wear OK lenses until their myopia has stabilised, usually in their late teens or early adulthood, however many may choose to continue using OK lenses for their vision correction instead of regular glasses and contact lenses. There are individuals who have happily and successfully worn Ortho K lenses for over 20 years.
Of course. Ortho K vision treatment is temporary and completely reversible. Your eyes will naturally return to their original shape if you stopped OK lens wear for a few weeks and there are no implications for laser surgery should you decide to have permanent vision correction later on. For children, keeping their prescription lower with Ortho K when they are young also gives them with more options in regards to permanent laser vision correction later on as an adult, if they wish to do so.T
Orthokeratology is a well-known form of vision correction in Asia, Europe and North America. Adults and children have been successfully treated with OK lenses for many years in countries such as China, Hong Kong and Singapore — the main reason being these Asian countries have long had a much higher prevalence of myopia (short-sightedness) than the rest of the world, with greater public awareness of the importance of myopia preventation and myopia control. With the rise of myopia around the world, including in Australia, there is an increasing interest in Ortho K here from parents concerned about their children's worsening eyesight and wanting to do more to help them maintain good vision and eye health.
Ortho K fitting requires specialist training and technology. Not all optometrists are equipped with the necessary skills and equipment to fit OK lenses properly. As all OK lenses are custom-designed individually for each eye, this takes additional time, expertise and experience. In addition, successful orthokeratology requires close aftercare monitoring and follow-up visits ideally with the same practitioner for continuity of care and best results — this is often not possible in a retail chain store environment. Ortho K lenses are best fitted by a practitioner with an interest in specialty contact lenses.